Almost everyone thinks they know how to write a screenplay. Weve all heard someone watching TV saying I could write better script than that!

Perhaps everyone DOES have a story to tell? The question remains, why dont they become screenwriters?
Most professional artists are very particular about their tools. The screenplay writer is no different. The key to writing is being organized. Before even writing a single word, you must have an inner road map that your characters are going to follow.

The main difference between a screenwriter and a novelist is that the novelist can take all the time he needs and can ramble along as he develops his characters and themes. A screenwriter needs to know EXACTLY where he is going before he sets out

Just like any muscle, the writing muscle has to be exercised on a regular basis. The simple process of sitting in front of a computer for set periods of time is critical in training the subconscious that THIS time is when you are going to call on your creativity. In order to learn how to write a screenplay you have to understand STRUCTURE. Unlike a novelist, you do not have the luxury of allowing your script to develop into 300 plus pages. Of course you could believe that a 300 page script would be wonderful and make a trilogy - the truth is, it will not get read. The script has to conform to the standard 100 - 115 pages.

The structure of most contemporary screenplays: 1) Establish the character and general situation, 2) force them up a tree and throw rocks at him and 3) get the hero down again.

Firstly, you get the audience to know something about the character and his situation.
Secondly, a situation must be created that goes against your characters comfort zone. He must have a nemesis trying to destroy everything he stands for. This bad guy takes pleasure putting your hero up that tree and making it as uncomfortable as possible.
Thirdly, our hero needs to overcome all odds and payoff' the bad guy.
If it really is that simple, then why isnt everyone a screenwriter? The answer is they really do not know how to write a screenplay.

So take the time to develop your storyline. Flesh out your main characters with real hopes and dreams. Now introduce conflict! The more conflict you have, the clearer your characters will be defined.

So what does it take to become a screenwriter, besides learning how to write a screenplay? It takes discipline to sit at your workplace, even when you are not sure what you are going to write. It takes having a thick skin, so that when the inevitable rejections come, you do not BELIEVE in their judgment as to your potential. It takes major BELIEF in yourself. But MOST of all it takes LUCK!

So how does your screenplay rise above the sea of scripts waiting to be read? Follow up! It isn't because your script isn't good that it hasn't been read and responded to. That is the very last consideration. Any producer that is worth his salt has a groaning desk of submissions. Yours is simply ONE of those. So follow up - but politely. It may well be the most important thing in your life but to any producer it simply just ANOTHER screenplay. There are a million legitimate reasons why Hollywood should not immediately fall at your feet but YOU are going to overcome this. If you do not believe this, then do not even attempt to learn how to write a screenplay! If you DO believe in yourself, then hey why shouldnt you be the one that gets lucky?!

So yes, learning how to write a screenplay isnt so difficult. The difficult part comes AFTER you have written the screenplay.

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Tags: single word, rocks, subconscious, creativity, periods, road map, hero, watching tv, comfort zone, professional artists, nemesis, novelist, all odds